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About NUI Galway

Since 1845, NUI Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.

News archive

NUI Galway Economics Professor Appointed as Advisor to IMF

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Professor Alan Ahearne, Head of Economics at NUI Galway, has been appointed External Advisor to the Strategy, Practice and Review Department of the International Monetary Fund. In that role, he will advise IMF senior management on how the Fund could better support the efforts of countries at all levels of income to boost growth and create jobs in the period ahead.
Professor Ahearne is currently preparing a report, along with Sir Paul Collier (Oxford University) and Dr Paul Acquah (former Governor of the Bank of Ghana) on how the Fund’s advice on macro-critical structural issues could be enhanced. The report will identify macro-critical structural policy areas that are most relevant to the Funds’ member countries; determine the extent, focus and quality of Fund advice on such issues so far; and consider what changes should be brought to Fund surveillance in terms of coverage of structural issues.
According to Professor Ahearne: “This is an important juncture for the IMF and the global economy. The priority of governments around the world is to revive growth. But with the overhang of imbalances leaving little room for expansionary macroeconomic policies, the only remaining policy options are structural.”
Professor Ahearne joined the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway in 2005. He is a member of the Commission (Board) of the Central Bank of Ireland. Professor Ahearne served as Special Advisor to the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan from March 2009 to March 2011. He is a Non-Resident Fellow at Bruegel, the Brussels-based think tank, and a Visiting Executive Lecturer in the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.
Before joining NUI Galway, Alan Ahearne was Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC, where he worked for seven years. He has taught economics at Carnegie Mellon University, University College Dublin, Dublin City University, and the University of Limerick. He began his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand and also worked for Bank of Ireland.
Professor Ahearne is Head of Economics at NUI Galway, where a flourishing and diverse academic environment integrates teaching and research, theory and empirical applications, in a policy-oriented and interdisciplinary way. There are approximately 1,800 undergraduate students of economics across several colleges, but mainly in the College of Business, Public Policy, and Law and in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies, and Social Sciences.
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Circus Owner’s ‘Exquisite Collection’ Bequeathed to University

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

1,200 volumes will contribute to current and future teaching and research programmes
An extensive collection of books belonging to circus owner Henry Ringling North, of the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, has been bequeathed to the James Hardiman Library at NUI Galway. The collection, from the private library of Henry Ringling North (1909-1993), totals 1,200 volumes.
A special event to mark the bequest was held recently at the University, and attended by members of Henry Ringling North’s family.
Henry ran and managed “The Greatest Show on Earth” with his brother John from 1936 to 1967. They introduced many innovations to revive the circus, enabling it to compete with the cinema and television. Henry wrote of his experiences in The Circus Kings: Our Ringling Family Story, published originally in 1960 and republished in 2008. He took up Irish citizenship in the 1960s, purchasing Northbrook, a large working farm at Kilconnell, County Galway, where his son John now lives.
Henry Ringling North was a bibliophile and built his library through his lifetime, drawing on catalogues from all over Europe. Prior to the transfer of 1,200 volumes to Galway, the library had been housed in beautiful book cases at the family home in Begnins, Switzerland, and before that in Rome where they had been made by Italian craftsmen in the 1950s. A particular feature of the collection is the magnificent binding of many of the volumes. Notable in this regard are the large folio volumes, bound in crimson morocco, of David Roberts’ The Holy Land, with gilt armorial coat of arms embossed on both covers. In 1998, John North donated 137 of his father’s books to the University and the entire collection will now be combined.
Several disciplines are represented in the collection but it is clear that Henry Ringling North had a particular interest in Art History, Archaeology and the Classical World. Travel is a prominent theme throughout, while his interest in Ireland is demonstrated by a fine collection of 18th and 19th century volumes on history and literature.
Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway, said: “We are truly honoured to become the keepers of such an exquisite collection. In addition to its quality, historical value and the insights it provides into the life of Henry Ringling North, this is an excellent resource for teaching and research programmes at NUI Galway. The University is extremely grateful for, and honoured by, this wonderful bequest which will be valued by the scholars of today and of future generations. It will hold a special place here on campus in our newly opened Hardiman Research Building.”
The Hardiman Research Building, recently named the 2014 Irish Building & Design Architectural Project of the Year, is situated at the heart of NUI Galway’s campus, adjacent to the James Hardiman Library. It is home to NUI Galway’s unique collection of more than 350 literary, theatrical, political and historical archives, dating from 1485 to the present.
At a special event on 6 June to mark the bequest, volumes from the Ringling North Library were on display. There was also commentary on some of the subjects in the collection by experts including NUI Galway’s: Professor Daniel Carey of the Moore Institute, Professor Padraig Lenihan from History, and emeritus Professor Catherine O’Brien from Italian, alongside Mary Hawkes Greene, President of the Burren College of Art.
Speaking about the event, University Librarian John Cox said: “The value the University places on this magnificent collection is evident from expert presentations at the event which highlighted the different ways in which it will contribute to our current and future teaching and research programmes.”
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Community and Voluntary Sector Workshop Series at NUI Galway

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

NUI Galway are offering a series of workshops relevant to the Community and Voluntary sector designed to enable participants to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to community development practice and policy in Ireland. This workshop series was developed in response to the continuing education needs of personnel working (paid/unpaid) in community/voluntary and state sectors actively supporting community life in a rapidly changing society.
The first workshop, ‘Groupwork and Community Leadership’ will take place on Wednesday, 25 June from 9.30am- 4.30pm. This module examines the theory and practice of group work and community leadership. It considers group dynamics, communication in groups, effective group processes, conflict management and practical facilitation skills. It also outlines theories on leadership and how community leadership can be developed and supported. Topics covered include: Introduction to Group Dynamics; Effective Group Processes; and Practical Facilitation Skills
On Saturday, 28 June, the second workshop, ‘Understanding Conflict’ will run from 9.30am-4.30pm. This module examines the theory and practice of conflict transformation and peace building. It recognises conflict as an inseparable part of the human interaction which can, when addressed effectively, resolve underlying needs and concerns, build sustainable communities and ultimately lead to peaceful and positive change. Topics covered in this workshop include: Defining Conflict; Responding to Conflict; Resolving Conflict; Mediating Conflict; and Conflict Resolution and Communication.
The workshops are provided on a non-accredited basis. Participants who attend a workshop will receive a Certificate of Attendance and have the option to register for continuing education credit at the reduced rate of €150 per 5 ECTS (normal cost for same €330). Registration for credit with NUI Galway will become available in September 2014-2015. Such credit, when awarded, may lead to an exemption(s) and a reduction in overall fees at a programme level within a relevant discipline, (such as the Bachelor of Arts in Community and Family Studies).
The costs for the workshops are €30 per individual participant per workshop. A reduced cost of €20 may apply for individuals providing evidence of specific social protection payments, see website for full listing. There is a reduced rate of €40 for two individuals from the same group/organisation per workshop.
Final date for registration is Friday, 20 June. Further information and registration forms are available from NUI Galway’s Community Education Office at091 495241 or community.ed@nuigalway.ie. Registration forms may also be downloaded from: http://www.nuigalway.ie/courses/adult-and-continuing-education-courses/communityandvoluntarysectorworkshopseries/
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NUI Galway Youth Academy Summer Camp in Sligo

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

NUI Galway is delighted to announce details of their upcoming Youth Academy Summer Camp being held at St Angela’s College, Sligo. Applications are now open for the week long summer camp that will take place from 21-25 July from 10am- 1pm.
NUI Galway established a Youth Academy in 2012 in order to give high ability primary school students and their families a taste of what it is like to study at one of Ireland’s most popular universities, in order to inspire them to progress to third level education. Since the Youth Academy opened its doors, almost 800 students have taken part in a range of specially designed courses from IT to Engineering and Psychology to Italian.
The Youth Academy is for high ability 4th, 5th and 6th class students in the 95th percentile or above, based on standardised test results carried out annually in schools. It is a fantastic opportunity for high ability students to engage with university at an early age.
All courses are highly interactive and use a variety of teaching techniques to ensure students get the most out of their time at the Youth Academy. The courses offered in the summer camp are:
A fun introduction to Computer Programming, The Internet and Multimedia
Exploring Electronics: Building Cool Stuff with Arduino
U r wat u eat
Medical Academy...What's up doc?
Curious Chemist Programme- Discover your inner mad scientist
The summer camp will cost €120 and a limited number of scholarships providing free places on the Youth Academy are available depending on family circumstances.
To apply for the Youth Academy Summer Camp at St Angela’s College, Sligo and for further information on all of the courses visit www.nuigalway.ie/youthacademy . Places are allocated on a first-come first-served basis and students participate in one course for the duration of the camp. The closing date for applications is Friday, 27 June, and early booking is advisable.
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NUI Galway Hosts Public Forum to Further Raise the Bar and take University Sports to the Next Level

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

NUI Galway invites alumni, friends and the public to join sporting leaders at the University to help to inform the role of sport in the University’s Strategic Plan
NUI Galway is hosting a forum on sport as part of the University’s engagement process with alumni and the public to help to inform its forthcoming strategic plan. The forum follows the recent announcements of bonus CAO points for Elite Athletes and NUI Galway’s sporting, academic and research partnership with Connacht Rugby.
NUI Galway, in association with the University’s Alumni Board, is pleased to welcome regional, national and international leaders in sport to the forum;
· Gary Keegan: Director, Irish Institute of Sport
· Neasa Folan: English Institute of Sport, Coach Team GB Rowing 2012
· Prof Eamon O'Shea: Tipperary Senior Hurling Team Manager
· Olive Loughnane: Olympic Athlete and World Silver Medallist
· Kathy Hynes: Development Officer for Clubs and Participation, NUI Galway
· Ollie Daniels: Chairman, Salthill Devon FC
· Nigel Carolan: Manager Connacht Rugby Academy
· Ray Silke: Galway All-Ireland winning football captain
The forum will be held in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Saturday 28 June from 10am-1pm and will be moderated by Caroline Murphy, Board member, Campus Stadium Ireland and former senior TV producer, RTÉ Sport.
Topics to be addressed include; achieving sporting excellence, engagement with national sporting bodies, research in action; using scientific expertise and research to benefit athletes and sportspeople, attracting and meeting the physical, structural and academic needs of high performers.
Chairman of NUI Galway Alumni Association, Sean O'Rourke, said: "NUI Galway has a fine tradition of achievement across many sports. Its students and graduates have frequently excelled, as they did in numbers with the All Ireland winning Clare hurlers last year, or as they've done down the years at prestigious Rowing events like the annual Henley Regatta.
He added “In recent years, a magnificent new sports centre has been opened in the middle of the campus and the latest addition to facilities is new all-weather multi-sport pitch at Dangan. This public forum featuring a wonderful range of speakers such as Gary Keegan, Director of the Institute of Sport and Neasa Folan Team GB 2012 Coach, will help to answer how best to make the most of such resources.”
The RTÉ Broadcaster concluded by saying “This is an opportunity for stakeholders, participants and anyone interested in the development of sport in the University and in the west of Ireland to contribute to this hugely important area.”
Those interested in attending are asked to register beforehand at www.nuigalway.ie/alumni or telephone the NUI Galway Alumni Office on 091 493750.
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NUI Galway Hosts Public Forum to Further Raise the Bar and take University Sports to the Next Level

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

NUI Galway invites alumni, friends and the public to join sporting leaders at the University to help to inform the role of sport in the University’s Strategic Plan
NUI Galway is hosting a forum on sport to consult with Alumni and graduates on its forthcoming strategic plan. The forum follows the recent announcements of bonus CAO points for Elite Athletes and NUI Galway’s sporting, academic and research partnership with Connacht Rugby.
NUI Galway, in association with the University’s Alumni Board, is pleased to welcome regional, national and international leaders in sport to the forum;
· Gary Keegan: Director, Irish Institute of Sport
· Neasa Folan: English Institute of Sport, Coach Team GB Rowing 2012
· Prof Eamon O'Shea: Tipperary Senior Hurling Team Manager
· Olive Loughnane: Olympic Athlete and World Silver Medallist
· Kathy Hynes: Development Officer for Clubs and Participation, NUI Galway
· Ollie Daniels: Chairman, Salthill Devon FC
· Nigel Carolan: Manager Connacht Rugby Academy
· Ray Silke: Galway All-Ireland winning football captain
The forum will be held in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Saturday 28 June from 10am-1pm and will be moderated by Caroline Murphy, Board member, Campus Stadium Ireland and former senior TV producer, RTÉ Sport.
Topics to be addressed include; achieving sporting excellence, engagement with national sporting bodies, research in action; using scientific expertise and research to benefit athletes and sportspeople, attracting and meeting the physical, structural and academic needs of high performers.
Chairman of NUI Galway Alumni Association, Sean O'Rourke, said: "NUI Galway has a fine tradition of achievement across many sports. Its students and graduates have frequently excelled, as they did in numbers with the All Ireland winning Clare hurlers last year, or as they've done down the years at prestigious Rowing events like the annual Henley Regatta.
He added “In recent years, a magnificent new sports centre has been opened in the middle of the campus and the latest addition to facilities is new all-weather multi-sport pitch at Dangan. This public forum featuring a wonderful range of speakers such as Gary Keegan, Director of the Institute of Sport and Neasa Folan Team GB 2012 Coach, will help to answer how best to make the most of such resources.”
This is an opportunity for stakeholders, participants and anyone interested in the development of sport in the University and in the west of Ireland to contribute to this hugely important area.
Those interested in attending are asked to register beforehand at www.nuigalway.ie/alumni or telephone the NUI Galway Alumni Office on 091 493750
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NUI Galway Midlands Alumni BBQ

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

All NUI Galway graduates, friends and guests are invited to a summer BBQ on Friday, 27 June in Grogan's, Glasson, Co. Westmeath.
John O'Meara, one of the organisers, said: “This is a terrific way to get together and meet up with former classmates and other NUI Galway graduates. Grogan's in Glasson is an ideal venue. The evening kicks off at 8pm and with the good weather, long evening and excellent food and music it promises to be a great night!”
The event is organised by the NUI Galway Alumni Midlands Club and tickets cost €20. To register for the event visit www.nuigalway.ie/alumni or call the Alumni Office at 091 493750.
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CAO Change of Mind Question? NUI Galway has the Answer!

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Online Q&A with Subject Experts to Inform Crucial CAO Decisions Before Change of Mind Deadline July 1st
NUI Galway staff will be on hand to answer students’ queries online at www.nuigalway.ie/askus
NUI Galway invites all CAO applicants, both undergraduate and mature students to go online and ask the question! NUI Galway staff will be on hand on Wednesday 25th June between 3pm and 5pm to answer queries, questions or quandaries, as CAO applicants enter the final phase of their decision making process.
The deadline for the CAO change of mind is July 1st. Until that time, CAO applicants can alter the courses they have outlined on their CAO form. The change of mind period allows for considered reflection following the Leaving Cert exams and students are urged to fully inform themselves when considering their options.
This is an excellent opportunity for each student to get tailor-made information on University facilities and student support services including finance and accommodation or indeed, about the CAO process itself.
Senior academic representatives from each of the University’s five colleges will also be on hand to answer students’ questions about subjects and courses across the NUI Galway's 60 courses.
Caroline Loughnane, Director of Marketing and Communications at NUI Galway, said: "Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions a student will ever make and we want to ensure that both students and parents have all the information they need to help them make the best choice. Go online wherever you are, at home or abroad, and don’t be afraid to ask the question!”
Students can go to www.nuigalway.ie/askus at any time between 3pm and 5pm Wednesday 25th of June 2014.
Anyone that wishes to pre-register for a reminder text can register at http://bit.ly/caoaskus
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International collaborative research in the Whittard Canyon aboard RV Celtic Explorer

Friday, 20 June 2014

An international research team, led by scientists from NUI Galway, is currently exploring the Whittard Canyon deep-sea submarine canyon system in the North East Atlantic onboard the Marine Institute’s RV Celtic Explorer.
Researchers from Ireland, the UK, the USA and Germany are using the Institute’s ROV Holland I to study the diversity of deep-water animals and relate this to geology and ocean currents.
The Whittard Canyon system is at the continental margin approximately 250 miles SW of Cork, covers an area of 2000 square miles, and is home to vulnerable marine ecosystems of cold-water corals, deep-water oysters and file clams. But new research is also revealing a remarkable diversity and abundance of rare black corals, which are protected under international legislation.
“The extreme shape of submarine canyons seems to affect the water flow within them in such a way as to deliver nutrient rich waters to particular parts of the canyon system. This allows diverse ecosystems to flourish. Our research is attempting to understand these processes so that we can predict where the most vulnerable ecosystems are likely to occur and therefore ensure the environment is protected,” explained Dr Martin White of NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute, and the expedition’s chief scientist.
According to Dr Louise Allcock, also of NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute, “Black corals are particularly vulnerable to any sort of impact. They grow extremely slowly and dating studies have shown that some species live for thousands of years.”
The Whittard Canyon system is huge, with meandering branches extending over an area of more than 80 by 20 miles. Mapping the system, much of which is in depths below 1500m, to detect vulnerable species is difficult. Therefore the team hopes that the new data will reveal the factors that determine which species occur where.
ROV Holland I provides a way of sampling deep-sea animals without impacting the ecosystem. The team is also providing deep-sea sponge samples to scientists searching for novel pharmaceutical compounds. If the chemists find interesting compounds such as antibacterial and other pharmaceutical properties in the sponges, they will aim to work out how to synthesize them in the laboratory. This is the first step in the production of new drugs.
The scientists are blogging about their experiences and discoveries aboard RV Celtic Explorer throughout the survey (June 6th – 21st) on the blog scientistsatsea.blogspot.ie and on twitter via the hashtag #ce14009
The research survey is carried out under the Sea Change strategy with the support of the Marine Institute, funded under the Marine Research Sub-Programme by the Irish Government.
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